Chelsea are considering a move for Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia as an alternative to Moises Caicedo.
Chelsea are desperately short in midfield following a summer exodus from Stamford Bridge that has seen Mason Mount, Mateo Kovacic and N’Golo Kante all leave the club.
Moises Caicedo has emerged as the club’s primary target, though have already seen a number of bids for the 21-year-old knocked back by Brighton.
It was reported on Thursday that the Seagulls ‘immediately’ turned down the Blues’ latest offer of £80 million for the Ecuadorean, with the South Coast club said to value the midfielder at around £100m.
According to The Athletic, Chelsea are ‘considering alternative options’ should a deal for Caicedo not be achievable, with Southampton’s Romeo Lavia on their list of targets.
Lavia is expected to move this summer following his impressive debut season with the Saints despite the club’s relegation from the Premier League, and the Belgian has attracted attention from the top flight’s biggest clubs.
Liverpool have already seen a bid worth £40 million rejected for the 19-year-old, with the Championship side said to value the youngster at around £50m.
The Merseyside outfit are expected to return with an improved bid as they look to win the race for the teenage talent.
